$880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony : Coins often tell stories—not just of history and culture, but sometimes of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. One such story is about a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, still quietly circulating, that could be worth an astounding $880,000. Yes, you read that right—a coin you might hold in your hand today could be worth nearly a million dollars.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar: A Quick Overview
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first minted in 1979 to honor the women’s suffrage pioneer Susan B. Anthony. Its small size and silver-like color made it easy to confuse with quarters, and despite multiple mintings through the early 1980s, it never achieved widespread popularity. Millions were minted and circulated, often unnoticed and undervalued.
What Makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar So Valuable?
Most 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars are common and worth face value. But there’s a rare minting anomaly that makes some 1981 coins incredibly valuable—particularly those struck at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark) with a very specific double die error on the reverse side.
This error causes the inscriptions—especially the words “ONE DOLLAR” and the eagle’s feathers—to appear doubled or “shadowed.” It’s a subtle effect that can easily be missed without close inspection but is highly prized by collectors.
How to Spot the Valuable 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Here’s what to look for if you want to find this potential treasure in your change:
- Date and Mintmark: The coin should be dated 1981 and have no mintmark, indicating it was minted in Philadelphia.
- Double Die Error: Examine the reverse side (the eagle and lettering side) under a magnifying glass. Look closely for any doubling or shadowing in the text, especially in the words “ONE DOLLAR.”
- Condition Matters: The more pristine the coin—meaning fewer scratches, wear, and blemishes—the higher its potential value.
Why Is This Coin So Rare?
Unlike many coins, this particular double die error was not widely distributed. Only a limited number of these coins were struck with this minting flaw, making them exceptionally scarce. Additionally, many Susan B. Anthony dollars were lost, spent, or damaged over time, further shrinking the pool of available high-quality error coins.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
If you suspect you have the valuable 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar:
- Do not clean the coin, as cleaning can damage it and reduce value.
- Use a magnifying glass or take close-up photos to examine the double die details.
- Have the coin professionally graded and authenticated by a reputable service such as PCGS or NGC.
- Consult with trusted coin dealers or auction houses for selling options.
The Bigger Picture: Everyday Change Could Hide Riches
This astounding $880,000 value reminds us that coins in everyday circulation may harbor hidden gems. While finding such a coin is rare, it pays to check change carefully—especially coins with unusual markings or minting quirks.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar’s story is a fascinating mix of history, art, and chance. From a common coin overlooked by most, it becomes a symbol of the unexpected fortune that can lie hidden in plain sight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a U.S. coin minted from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999, featuring women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony. It was the first U.S. coin to depict a real woman other than Lady Liberty.
Q2: Why is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar so valuable?
A: A rare 1981 version of the coin minted in Philadelphia (no mintmark) with a double die error on the reverse has been valued at up to $880,000, especially in mint condition.
Q3: What is a double die error?
A: A double die error occurs when a coin is struck by a die that has a misaligned or doubled image, causing parts of the design—like letters or details—to appear “shadowed” or duplicated.
Q4: What mintmark should I look for?
A: Look for a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar with no mintmark, which means it was minted in Philadelphia. These are the coins reported to have rare die varieties.
Final Thoughts
The next time you receive change, don’t just toss it in your pocket or purse—take a moment to inspect it. Among the ordinary coins, there might be one that’s worth a small fortune, like the rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar with its elusive double die error.
Could you be holding nearly a million dollars in your hand? It’s worth looking closely to find out.
